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Arabesque

//ˌæɹ.əˈbɛsk// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An elaborate design of intertwined floral figures or complex geometrical patterns, mainly used in Islamic art and architecture. also, attributive

    "It was a sort of scene which Adam had beheld almost weekly for years; he knew by heart every arabesque flourish in the framed specimen of Bartle Massey’s handwriting which hung over the schoolmaster’s head, by way of keeping a lofty ideal before the minds of his pupils; […]."

  2. 2
    an ornament that interlaces simulated foliage in an intricate design wordnet
  3. 3
    An ornate composition, especially for the piano.
  4. 4
    position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose wordnet
  5. 5
    A dance position in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other raised backwards, and the arms outstretched.
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  1. 6
    Elaborate or ornate creations in general. attributive, broadly

    "For a man who condemned worldly pleasures he ate with elegance. She loved to watch the arabesque of fingers and two forks."

Verb
  1. 1
    To move in an arabesque motion. intransitive
  2. 2
    To decorate with an arabesque pattern. transitive

Etymology

Etymology 1

Borrowed from French arabesque, from Italian arabesco, from arabo (“Arab”). By surface analysis, Arab + -esque.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from French arabesque, from Italian arabesco, from arabo (“Arab”). By surface analysis, Arab + -esque.

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